Ralph Bakshi

Cinematic rule-breaker and animation pioneer Ralph Bakshi was born in 1938 in Haifa, British Mandate for Palestine (now Israel). Active from 1957 to 2015, Bakshi is known for his groundbreaking work in adult-oriented animation, producing iconic films like "Fritz the Cat," "Heavy Traffic," and "The Lord of the Rings," and his unique style of blending animation with live-action footage. Despite the controversy often surrounding his work, Bakshi has received recognition from the industry, including an Annie Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Art of Animation. Ralph Bakshi, with his unapologetic vision and bold storytelling, has certainly left an indelible mark in the realm of animated cinema.